Shri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam - Srisailam Nandyal
🖼️ Photo Gallery
🛕 Temple Info
Nestled deep within the mystical Nallamala forests of Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, Srisailam stands as one of India’s most spiritually elevated temple towns. Home to the divine couple—Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (a form of Lord Shiva) and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi—this sacred destination is revered as a rare confluence of Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha, making it one of the most potent pilgrim sites in the country. Positioned on the banks of the sacred Krishna River, known here as Patala Ganga, Srisailam is enveloped in natural serenity, vibrant legends, and divine mystique.
The temple complex is breathtaking, with majestic gopurams, intricately carved pillars, and a spiritual atmosphere that transcends time. Worship at this sacred kshetra begins with a divine Sankalpam, connecting the devotee’s name, gotra, and origin to the energy of this mystical land—“Srisalasya, Easanyastha Pradese, Srisailasya Uttara Digbhage.”
🕉️ Deities & Shrines
- Mallikarjuna Swamy: A self-manifested Jyotirlinga, worshipped by Vishnu, Brahma, Indra and others with jasmine flowers.
- Bhramaramba Devi: A self-manifested Shakti Peetha where Parvati, as a bee (Bhramara), annihilated the demon Arunudu.
- Vruddha Mallikarjuna Lingam: Believed to be over 8000 years old.
- Additional Shrines:
- Sahasra Lingeswara Swamy installed by Sri Rama
- Lingams by the Pandavas
- Ardhanareeshwara & Veerabhadra Shrines
- Adi Shankaracharya’s penance site
🎉 Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur and tribal participation. A sacred cloth is wrapped from Nandi to the vimana—a mystic tradition done unseen.
- Bhramaramba Devi Utsavam: A few weeks after Shivaratri, dedicated entirely to the goddess.
- Daily & Annual Kalyanotsavams: Conducted for the divine couple
- Pushpagiri Math & Jangam Priesthood: Each manage the temple for six months annually.
Temple Website : https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/
💫 Importance
Srisailam is among the most sacred Shivaite centers in India due to its twin spiritual honors:
- One of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva
- One of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, where Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is self-manifested
This holy union of Shiva and Shakti within the same complex is unique and holds immense spiritual significance. It is believed that darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba, along with a glimpse of the Srisaila Sikhara, grants liberation from rebirth (moksha), health, longevity, and divine blessings.
🕉️ The popular shloka reflects this belief:
"Kasyanthu Maanamuktihi, Smarana Darunachale
Srisaila Sikhara Drustrya, Punarjanma Na Vidyathe"
📜History
🏛️ Ancient Origins & Mythology
- Myth of Subrahmanya: The divine couple descended from Mount Kailash searching for their son Subrahmanya, who was upset after losing the celestial fruit competition to Ganesha. Siva and Parvati found him on this sacred hill and stayed, making Srisailam their earthly abode.
- Chandravati’s Devotion: Princess Chandravati of the Gupta dynasty discovered a Shiva Lingam while tending her cattle. She built the temple after Lord Shiva appeared in her dream. As she worshipped Him with Mallika flowers (Jasmine), He became known as Mallikarjuna.
- Chenchu Love Legend: Lord Shiva fell in love with a Chenchu tribal woman during his hunting expeditions and married her. Since then, Chenchus have been given special roles in temple rituals, especially during Maha Shivaratri.
🪔 Historical Patronage
- Prehistoric Roots: Tools dating back 40,000 years suggest a long human connection to this site.
- Dynastic Influence: From Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Vishnukundins, Kadambas, Cholas, Kakatiyas to Vijayanagara Empire—every dynasty contributed to the temple’s growth.
- Vijayanagara Legacy: Emperor Krishnadevaraya gilded the sanctum, donated a golden bull (Nandi), and contributed richly to temple infrastructure.
- Shivaji Maharaj: The great Maratha warrior visited in 1660 CE, performed penance, and received blessings from the Goddess. In 1667 CE, he built the iconic Shivaji Rajagopuram, which stands tall today.
📚 Literary & Archaeological Evidence
Srisailam is widely referenced in:
- Puranas: Skanda, Padma, Siva, Aditya, Markandeya
- Epics: Mahabharata mentions the presence of deities on this hill
- Literature: Works like Adi Shankara’s Sivananda Lahari, Bhavabhuti’s Malathi Madhavam, Palkuriki Somanatha’s Basavapuranam, and many more
- Inscriptions: Many dating back to 15th century by Kondaviti Reddis
- Chinese Traveler Records: Fahien and Heizmut-Sang noted the sacred hill and its divine energy
🪔 Pooja Timings
Daily temple rituals are conducted with divine discipline and devotion:
- Suprabhata Seva: 5:00 AM
- Mahamangala Harati: 6:00 AM
- Abhishekam: Twice daily – 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Kumkumarchana: Morning & Evening
- Ganapati & Rudra Homams: 7:00 AM
- Chandi Yagam: 10:00 AM
- Kalyanam: Daily at 7:00 PM
- Ekanta Seva: 9:30 PM
🚌 Transfort Options
- By Road: Well-connected via state and private buses from all major towns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Nandyal is around 160km,Markapur around 80km
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Markapur Road (about 85 km). From there, buses and taxis are available.
- By Air: Nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (~230 km).
🏙️Near By Cities
Markapur
Nandyal
Atmakur
Dornala
Hyderabad
🗣️ Devotee Comments